An important three day stretch for the Tar Heels got underway on Thursday night with the commitment of one of their top remaining targets in the 2022 class. Just moments ago, 2022 3✮ EDGE Bryson Jennings announced via social media that he was committing to Mack Brown and the Tar Heels over Virginia Tech, Virginia, Penn State and others. This decision comes almost exactly a month after his visit to Chapel Hill in mid-June.
Jennings, the No. 21 edge rushers in the 2022 class and the No. 13 prospect in the state of Virginia, is entering his senior season at Clover Hill High School in Midlothian, VA. This past season in a COVID shortened junior season in the state of Virginia, he played in just four games, but finished with 33 total tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. That followed a massive sophomore season that put him on a lot of recruiting radars when he finished with 65 total tackles and 24.0 sacks.
Jennings is an exciting player who will be a great complement to the Tar Heels most recent pick up on the edge in Beau Atkinson. At 6’6, 240 lbs. Jennings has nice length off the edge and his 4.53 speed off the edge is impressive. That speed is unofficial, but he has great play speed that allows him to beat tackles consistently and cover sideline-to-sideline and rack up those sacks and tackles for loss. He will not only have a good chance to win a lot of 1-on-1 battles against tackles and tight ends, but will also be a valuable asset on the edge in run defense. That speed combines with his quick release off the line of scrimmage that allows him to put himself in a good spot early in reps. He doesn’t often have to shed blocks and it is not the strength of his game, but it is something that certainly can be seen in flashes on tape. He does utilize the finesse moves well, though, and that should be a big part of his technique at the college level as well. He may have to add a little bit of size when he arrives, but there is a ton to be encouraged about with Jennings.
With Jennings commitment, the Tar Heels’ 2022 class now sits 32nd overall in the 247Sports Composite team rankings and 4th in the ACC. Two other major targets for the Tar Heels in the 2022 class will announce their decisions on Saturday and we’ll have you covered right here on the Heel Tough Blog.